On top of that, I was paying for CRMs, websites, E&O, lead generation, marketing, etc.Lots of extra money going out + my own diminished production + non-performing agents = me being exhausted, discouraged and broke.  

They can be very location specific, so you really need to do the work of contacting all of your local banks and CUs to see what kind of products they offer.

I have been writing letters to owners for a very similar product in my market, but at this point no one is willing to sell. 

As an agent, you are solely responsible for the production of your entire income.

What products are they offering?

Other things I am specifically looking for is suggestions on products that are budget friendly but still give the house great appeal.

If you want to acquire more properties faster, then leverage your money but using low down payment products.

A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.Discounts on some products and services are offered to BP members: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/proIf you haven’t been to it already, you might want to check out the BP blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

It holds them accountable for their product, 2.

In case you find yourself asking him/her questions beyond the real estate transaction and they can't answer, you can consider getting a financial advisor - there is a small but growing subset of fiduciary, holistic advisors who don't push products or push to manage all your money, and even do one-time advice or project-based financial planning.